instrumental work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instrumental work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a piece of music that is performed without vocals or to describe work that plays a crucial role in achieving a particular outcome. Example: "The instrumental work of the composer was celebrated for its complexity and emotional depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

This period culminated in the "Symphonies of Wind Instruments," an instrumental work composed in 1920 in memory of Debussy, which mimicked the liturgy of the panikhida, or Russian Orthodox funeral rite.

The New York Times - Arts

First, no traditional musical instruments are allowed, no lyrics or singing: it is an instrumental work in the history of the symphony.

Independent

Best instrumental work?

The Guardian - Music

Each half of the program ended with a substantial instrumental work.

The New York Times - Arts

Then there's moody guitar instrumental work and a fine, sturdy ballad (in English) from Cooder.

The Guardian - Music

Toumani gradually took control, showing off his instrumental work in different settings.

The Guardian - Music

The emphasis is more on her vocal than instrumental work, but the range is still remarkable.

The Guardian - Music

The program opened with a brief instrumental work by Vivaldi: the Sinfonia in B minor "Al Santo Sepolcro".

The New York Times - Arts

The state of the world was weighing on him, and he wondered what a large-scale instrumental work could offer.

The New Yorker

Mr. Sciarrino, best known in the United States for his instrumental work, has long been fascinated by Gesualdo's story.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A rather uninspiring opening is soon forgotten after a slinky instrumental work-out leads into "Silver Moon", with Ravi Coltrane on sax.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific piece, clarify the instruments involved to provide a clearer picture of the "instrumental work". For instance, specify "guitar instrumental work" or "orchestral instrumental work."

Common error

Avoid using "instrumental work" without context. Instead of saying, "The concert featured some impressive instrumental work", be specific: "The concert featured impressive guitar solos and intricate piano arrangements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instrumental work" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a musical composition or a portion thereof that relies solely on instruments, without any vocal component. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academic sources

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instrumental work" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that refers to a musical piece or section performed without vocals. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and offers various examples from diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to provide context and specify the instruments involved for clarity. Alternative phrases like "instrumental piece" or "musical arrangement" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoid overly broad usage by being specific about the type of instrumental work being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instrumental piece

Replaces "work" with "piece", focusing on the composition itself.

instrumental composition

Uses a more formal term for a musical creation.

instrumental performance

Emphasizes the act of playing the instruments.

musical arrangement

Highlights the way the music is structured for instruments.

orchestral work

Specifically refers to work for an orchestra.

non-vocal music

Focuses on the absence of vocals in the music.

purely instrumental music

Emphasizes that the music contains only instruments.

instrumental arrangement

Refers to how instruments are used in a musical piece.

musical interlude

Suggests a short instrumental break within a larger work.

instrumental score

Highlights the written notation for the instrumental parts.

FAQs

How can I use "instrumental work" in a sentence?

"Instrumental work" refers to a musical piece or section without vocals. For example: "The album features several impressive examples of instrumental work".

What are some alternatives to "instrumental work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "instrumental piece", "instrumental composition", or "musical arrangement".

Is it correct to say "instrumental work" or should I use another phrase?

"Instrumental work" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe music performed without vocals. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "instrumental work" and "vocal performance"?

"Instrumental work" refers to a musical piece focusing on instruments, while "vocal performance" highlights singing or vocal delivery. One focuses on instruments, the other on the voice.